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Just like people, as dogs get older they have a tendency to take on certain aliments that the youth are generally exempt from. One such thing would be arthritis. And where we would not like to think upon our canine companions in a state of pain from this condition, it has been reported that it is very common in dogs. There are three main forms of arthritis in dogs. These are Osterarthritis, Immune related arthritis, and infective arthritis. Here are a few signs that your dog may have arthritis.

Limping or favoring one side of the body

As arthritis attacks a joint, pressure on the limb would cause pain for your pet. If you notice that your dog has shifted its weight to one leg or one side of the body, it may be an indicator. Also, look for your dog raising up a leg when he/she walks. Where this may be a sign of a more severe problem (such as a broken leg or an animal bite) this can also be a sign of arthritis. Your dog may also scoot across the floor more. This is due to the pressure and pain caused by arthritis (of course if the dog is scooting its butt across the floor it is probably not arthritis but worms). Look for the legs dragging or a slow crawl.

Difficulty Standing or Sitting

Older dogs, especially, may find that sitting or standing is difficult. If your dog gets up a bit slower than it used to it may be a sign. However, consider that age does affect your dog as well as you. Just because your dog does not have that spring in their step does not mean they have arthritis. It may simply be old age. You are looking for abnormal behavior. Your dog may appear to be disobedient (for example they will not sit on command or come to you), more irritable when sitting, or whine when walking. These are signs that arthritis may be present.

An increase in weight

Dogs that are active work off what they eat much in the same way that we as human do. Inactivity will cause your dog to gain weight. If your dog is not moving about like they used to or if you notice that your dog is sleeping more frequently, it could be a sign that your dog has arthritis. If your dog is not excited about play time, walking, or jumping about, it could also be a sign. Remember, these are not definitive markers. Your dog could also just be depressed.

A short temper

Passive dogs may start to show aggression if arthritis is present. As anything (human or animal) is more likely to show aggression and irritation when in pain, this should be taken as an indicator. Take special note of when the aggression occurs. Where the aggression may linger, those dogs which tend to get more irritable when sitting or walking may have arthritis.

What to do if you see the signs

As stated, these are signs and may or may not mean that your dog has arthritis. It is best to visit your vet and see the best course of action to take. In the meantime, try to make your dog as comfortable as possible.

When you adopt a pet, you do so with the idea that the animal will become a part of your family. You expect that he or she will live the rest of his life in your care. That’s ideal, of course, which is why we stress the importance of making sure you are truly ready and choosing a pet that suits your lifestyle. There are some cases, however, where unexpected life events render you incapable of caring for your best friend any longer. When this happens, you owe it to your pet to find a new home that will pick up where you left off.

There are a number of options available to those wishing to responsibly rehome a pet. Unfortunately, Craigslist and other similar classified ad websites are not one of those responsible choices. A quick glance through the “pets” section will show that a heartbreaking number of unwanted animals are being offered free to the first taker, without any thought for the pet’s well-being. It’s absolutely true that some of these ads are coming from loving pet owners who are sending out a plea for help, but the majority of them are careless and simply wish to dispose of an animal.

If you have determined that you are no longer able to keep your pet, there are a few things that you can do to ensure that your pet’s new home will be a safe, wise choice:

Before advertising that your pet is available for adoption, speak with your inner circle to see if anyone you know is looking for a new pet. Trusted friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors are a great place to start.

Consider speaking with your family veterinarian about your need to rehome your pet. He or she may know of a responsible family who is looking, or the clinic may have a place for you to advertise on-site.

If someone contacts you about adopting your pet, be sure to interview them. Ask as many questions as necessary to give yourself peace of mind. Allow them to meet the animal and watch how they interact. If they have other pets, ask if they are comfortable providing proof of adequate veterinary care.

Once you have found a good fit for your furry sidekick, make the transition slowly. If possible, allow the pet to become acquainted with his or her new family over the course of several consecutive days. Just keep in mind that the last goodbye should be exactly that. After your final visit, and once the pet has been completely transitioned into the new home, avoid repeat visits. This will only confuse the animal and may lead to anxiety (for both of you!).

By now, we all know that the traditional chocolate Valentine’s Day gifts can be hazardous to pets, but that doesn’t mean that your best friend has to miss out on all of the fun. In fact, an article that was published a few years ago on Business Insider claimed that Americans spent approximately $815 Million on Valentine’s Day gifts for their pets in 2013! We’re not sure if that’s the wisest choice, but it is certainly a lot of fun. After all, pets are very much a part of the family, and we all enjoy spoiling them from time to time.

There are tons of gifts available for pets on this super-sweet holiday, so get a little creative and show your sidekick some V-Day love! Here are some great examples of Valentine’s Day gifts that we found from around the web. Enjoy!

The Heart Pet Bow Tie – This is such a cute gift, and it will really come in handy if you’re expecting company for Valentine’s Day. Dress your dog or cat up for the occasion! Find it HERE on Etsy.

The Pooch Heaven Valentine Dog Gift Basket – This is such a cute gift basket, and it’s overflowing with things that your pup is sure to love. It even includes dog biscuit mix and a bone-shaped cookie cutter so you can put your baking skills to the test. (Of course, you should avoid this option if your pet has any special dietary restrictions.) Read more about the Pooch Heaven Valentine Dog Gift Basket HERE on Pampered Paw Gifts.

Queen of Hearts Pet ID Tag (in oxidized copper) – This is one of the prettiest pet ID tags you’ll find. They are made to order and hand-stamped, which means that yours will be completely unique. We’re also a huge fan of the safety and practicality of this gift. Check it out HERE on Etsy, and be sure to browse through the company’s other designs while you’re there!

Striped Heart Crochet Dog Toy by Dogo – For a pooch, you can never go wrong with a squeak toy! We love the simplicity of this toy, along with its claims of durability and flexibility. Find it HERE on The Uncommon Dog.

Imperial Cat’s Valentine’s Day Cat Kit – This Cat Kit is a sure-fire way to make your kitty’s Valentine’s Day a delight! It includes a variety of entertainment, such as toys, teaser wands, and scratchers. Check it out HERE, courtesy of The Old Maid Cat Lady.

Finally, if you’re in the mood for a do-it-yourself kind of Valentine’s Day, check out this great article for some gifts that you can create for your pet right at home.

By now, we all know that the traditional chocolate Valentine’s Day gifts can be hazardous to pets, but that doesn’t mean that your best friend has to miss out on all of the fun. In fact, an article that was published a few years ago on Business Insider claimed that Americans spent approximately $815 Million on Valentine’s Day gifts for their pets in 2013! We’re not sure if that’s the wisest choice, but it is certainly a lot of fun. After all, pets are very much a part of the family, and we all enjoy spoiling them from time to time.

There are tons of gifts available for pets on this super-sweet holiday, so get a little creative and show your sidekick some V-Day love! Here are some great examples of Valentine’s Day gifts that we found from around the web. Enjoy!

The Heart Pet Bow Tie – This is such a cute gift, and it will really come in handy if you’re expecting company for Valentine’s Day. Dress your dog or cat up for the occasion! Find it HERE on Etsy.

The Pooch Heaven Valentine Dog Gift Basket – This is such a cute gift basket, and it’s overflowing with things that your pup is sure to love. It even includes dog biscuit mix and a bone-shaped cookie cutter so you can put your baking skills to the test. (Of course, you should avoid this option if your pet has any special dietary restrictions.) Read more about the Pooch Heaven Valentine Dog Gift Basket HERE on Pampered Paw Gifts.

Queen of Hearts Pet ID Tag (in oxidized copper) – This is one of the prettiest pet ID tags you’ll find. They are made to order and hand-stamped, which means that yours will be completely unique. We’re also a huge fan of the safety and practicality of this gift. Check it out HERE on Etsy, and be sure to browse through the company’s other designs while you’re there!

Striped Heart Crochet Dog Toy by Dogo – For a pooch, you can never go wrong with a squeak toy! We love the simplicity of this toy, along with its claims of durability and flexibility. Find it HERE on The Uncommon Dog.

Imperial Cat’s Valentine’s Day Cat Kit – This Cat Kit is a sure-fire way to make your kitty’s Valentine’s Day a delight! It includes a variety of entertainment, such as toys, teaser wands, and scratchers. Check it out HERE, courtesy of The Old Maid Cat Lady.

Finally, if you’re in the mood for a do-it-yourself kind of Valentine’s Day, check out this great article for some gifts that you can create for your pet right at home.

By now, we all know that the traditional chocolate Valentine’s Day gifts can be hazardous to pets, but that doesn’t mean that your best friend has to miss out on all of the fun. In fact, an article that was published a few years ago on Business Insider claimed that Americans spent approximately $815 Million on Valentine’s Day gifts for their pets in 2013! We’re not sure if that’s the wisest choice, but it is certainly a lot of fun. After all, pets are very much a part of the family, and we all enjoy spoiling them from time to time.

There are tons of gifts available for pets on this super-sweet holiday, so get a little creative and show your sidekick some V-Day love! Here are some great examples of Valentine’s Day gifts that we found from around the web. Enjoy!

The Heart Pet Bow Tie – This is such a cute gift, and it will really come in handy if you’re expecting company for Valentine’s Day. Dress your dog or cat up for the occasion! Find it HERE on Etsy.

The Pooch Heaven Valentine Dog Gift Basket – This is such a cute gift basket, and it’s overflowing with things that your pup is sure to love. It even includes dog biscuit mix and a bone-shaped cookie cutter so you can put your baking skills to the test. (Of course, you should avoid this option if your pet has any special dietary restrictions.) Read more about the Pooch Heaven Valentine Dog Gift Basket HERE on Pampered Paw Gifts.

Queen of Hearts Pet ID Tag (in oxidized copper) – This is one of the prettiest pet ID tags you’ll find. They are made to order and hand-stamped, which means that yours will be completely unique. We’re also a huge fan of the safety and practicality of this gift. Check it out HERE on Etsy, and be sure to browse through the company’s other designs while you’re there!

Striped Heart Crochet Dog Toy by Dogo – For a pooch, you can never go wrong with a squeak toy! We love the simplicity of this toy, along with its claims of durability and flexibility. Find it HERE on The Uncommon Dog.

Imperial Cat’s Valentine’s Day Cat Kit – This Cat Kit is a sure-fire way to make your kitty’s Valentine’s Day a delight! It includes a variety of entertainment, such as toys, teaser wands, and scratchers. Check it out HERE, courtesy of The Old Maid Cat Lady.

Finally, if you’re in the mood for a do-it-yourself kind of Valentine’s Day, check out this great article for some gifts that you can create for your pet right at home.

By now, we all know that the traditional chocolate Valentine’s Day gifts can be hazardous to pets, but that doesn’t mean that your best friend has to miss out on all of the fun. In fact, an article that was published a few years ago on Business Insider claimed that Americans spent approximately $815 Million on Valentine’s Day gifts for their pets in 2013! We’re not sure if that’s the wisest choice, but it is certainly a lot of fun. After all, pets are very much a part of the family, and we all enjoy spoiling them from time to time.

There are tons of gifts available for pets on this super-sweet holiday, so get a little creative and show your sidekick some V-Day love! Here are some great examples of Valentine’s Day gifts that we found from around the web. Enjoy!

The Heart Pet Bow Tie – This is such a cute gift, and it will really come in handy if you’re expecting company for Valentine’s Day. Dress your dog or cat up for the occasion! Find it HERE on Etsy.

The Pooch Heaven Valentine Dog Gift Basket – This is such a cute gift basket, and it’s overflowing with things that your pup is sure to love. It even includes dog biscuit mix and a bone-shaped cookie cutter so you can put your baking skills to the test. (Of course, you should avoid this option if your pet has any special dietary restrictions.) Read more about the Pooch Heaven Valentine Dog Gift Basket HERE on Pampered Paw Gifts.

Queen of Hearts Pet ID Tag (in oxidized copper) – This is one of the prettiest pet ID tags you’ll find. They are made to order and hand-stamped, which means that yours will be completely unique. We’re also a huge fan of the safety and practicality of this gift. Check it out HERE on Etsy, and be sure to browse through the company’s other designs while you’re there!

Striped Heart Crochet Dog Toy by Dogo – For a pooch, you can never go wrong with a squeak toy! We love the simplicity of this toy, along with its claims of durability and flexibility. Find it HERE on The Uncommon Dog.

Imperial Cat’s Valentine’s Day Cat Kit – This Cat Kit is a sure-fire way to make your kitty’s Valentine’s Day a delight! It includes a variety of entertainment, such as toys, teaser wands, and scratchers. Check it out HERE, courtesy of The Old Maid Cat Lady.

Finally, if you’re in the mood for a do-it-yourself kind of Valentine’s Day, check out this great article for some gifts that you can create for your pet right at home.

By now, we all know that the traditional chocolate Valentine’s Day gifts can be hazardous to pets, but that doesn’t mean that your best friend has to miss out on all of the fun. In fact, an article that was published a few years ago on Business Insider claimed that Americans spent approximately $815 Million on Valentine’s Day gifts for their pets in 2013! We’re not sure if that’s the wisest choice, but it is certainly a lot of fun. After all, pets are very much a part of the family, and we all enjoy spoiling them from time to time.

There are tons of gifts available for pets on this super-sweet holiday, so get a little creative and show your sidekick some V-Day love! Here are some great examples of Valentine’s Day gifts that we found from around the web. Enjoy!

The Heart Pet Bow Tie – This is such a cute gift, and it will really come in handy if you’re expecting company for Valentine’s Day. Dress your dog or cat up for the occasion! Find it HERE on Etsy.

The Pooch Heaven Valentine Dog Gift Basket – This is such a cute gift basket, and it’s overflowing with things that your pup is sure to love. It even includes dog biscuit mix and a bone-shaped cookie cutter so you can put your baking skills to the test. (Of course, you should avoid this option if your pet has any special dietary restrictions.) Read more about the Pooch Heaven Valentine Dog Gift Basket HERE on Pampered Paw Gifts.

Queen of Hearts Pet ID Tag (in oxidized copper) – This is one of the prettiest pet ID tags you’ll find. They are made to order and hand-stamped, which means that yours will be completely unique. We’re also a huge fan of the safety and practicality of this gift. Check it out HERE on Etsy, and be sure to browse through the company’s other designs while you’re there!

Striped Heart Crochet Dog Toy by Dogo – For a pooch, you can never go wrong with a squeak toy! We love the simplicity of this toy, along with its claims of durability and flexibility. Find it HERE on The Uncommon Dog.

Imperial Cat’s Valentine’s Day Cat Kit – This Cat Kit is a sure-fire way to make your kitty’s Valentine’s Day a delight! It includes a variety of entertainment, such as toys, teaser wands, and scratchers. Check it out HERE, courtesy of The Old Maid Cat Lady.

Finally, if you’re in the mood for a do-it-yourself kind of Valentine’s Day, check out this great article for some gifts that you can create for your pet right at home.

By now, we all know that the traditional chocolate Valentine’s Day gifts can be hazardous to pets, but that doesn’t mean that your best friend has to miss out on all of the fun. In fact, an article that was published a few years ago on Business Insider claimed that Americans spent approximately $815 Million on Valentine’s Day gifts for their pets in 2013! We’re not sure if that’s the wisest choice, but it is certainly a lot of fun. After all, pets are very much a part of the family, and we all enjoy spoiling them from time to time.

There are tons of gifts available for pets on this super-sweet holiday, so get a little creative and show your sidekick some V-Day love! Here are some great examples of Valentine’s Day gifts that we found from around the web. Enjoy!

The Heart Pet Bow Tie – This is such a cute gift, and it will really come in handy if you’re expecting company for Valentine’s Day. Dress your dog or cat up for the occasion! Find it HERE on Etsy.

The Pooch Heaven Valentine Dog Gift Basket – This is such a cute gift basket, and it’s overflowing with things that your pup is sure to love. It even includes dog biscuit mix and a bone-shaped cookie cutter so you can put your baking skills to the test. (Of course, you should avoid this option if your pet has any special dietary restrictions.) Read more about the Pooch Heaven Valentine Dog Gift Basket HERE on Pampered Paw Gifts.

Queen of Hearts Pet ID Tag (in oxidized copper) – This is one of the prettiest pet ID tags you’ll find. They are made to order and hand-stamped, which means that yours will be completely unique. We’re also a huge fan of the safety and practicality of this gift. Check it out HERE on Etsy, and be sure to browse through the company’s other designs while you’re there!

Striped Heart Crochet Dog Toy by Dogo – For a pooch, you can never go wrong with a squeak toy! We love the simplicity of this toy, along with its claims of durability and flexibility. Find it HERE on The Uncommon Dog.

Imperial Cat’s Valentine’s Day Cat Kit – This Cat Kit is a sure-fire way to make your kitty’s Valentine’s Day a delight! It includes a variety of entertainment, such as toys, teaser wands, and scratchers. Check it out HERE, courtesy of The Old Maid Cat Lady.

Finally, if you’re in the mood for a do-it-yourself kind of Valentine’s Day, check out this great article for some gifts that you can create for your pet right at home.

By now, we all know that the traditional chocolate Valentine’s Day gifts can be hazardous to pets, but that doesn’t mean that your best friend has to miss out on all of the fun. In fact, an article that was published a few years ago on Business Insider claimed that Americans spent approximately $815 Million on Valentine’s Day gifts for their pets in 2013! We’re not sure if that’s the wisest choice, but it is certainly a lot of fun. After all, pets are very much a part of the family, and we all enjoy spoiling them from time to time.

There are tons of gifts available for pets on this super-sweet holiday, so get a little creative and show your sidekick some V-Day love! Here are some great examples of Valentine’s Day gifts that we found from around the web. Enjoy!

The Heart Pet Bow Tie – This is such a cute gift, and it will really come in handy if you’re expecting company for Valentine’s Day. Dress your dog or cat up for the occasion! Find it HERE on Etsy.

The Pooch Heaven Valentine Dog Gift Basket – This is such a cute gift basket, and it’s overflowing with things that your pup is sure to love. It even includes dog biscuit mix and a bone-shaped cookie cutter so you can put your baking skills to the test. (Of course, you should avoid this option if your pet has any special dietary restrictions.) Read more about the Pooch Heaven Valentine Dog Gift Basket HERE on Pampered Paw Gifts.

Queen of Hearts Pet ID Tag (in oxidized copper) – This is one of the prettiest pet ID tags you’ll find. They are made to order and hand-stamped, which means that yours will be completely unique. We’re also a huge fan of the safety and practicality of this gift. Check it out HERE on Etsy, and be sure to browse through the company’s other designs while you’re there!

Striped Heart Crochet Dog Toy by Dogo – For a pooch, you can never go wrong with a squeak toy! We love the simplicity of this toy, along with its claims of durability and flexibility. Find it HERE on The Uncommon Dog.

Imperial Cat’s Valentine’s Day Cat Kit – This Cat Kit is a sure-fire way to make your kitty’s Valentine’s Day a delight! It includes a variety of entertainment, such as toys, teaser wands, and scratchers. Check it out HERE, courtesy of The Old Maid Cat Lady.

Finally, if you’re in the mood for a do-it-yourself kind of Valentine’s Day, check out this great article for some gifts that you can create for your pet right at home.

By now, we all know that the traditional chocolate Valentine’s Day gifts can be hazardous to pets, but that doesn’t mean that your best friend has to miss out on all of the fun. In fact, an article that was published a few years ago on Business Insider claimed that Americans spent approximately $815 Million on Valentine’s Day gifts for their pets in 2013! We’re not sure if that’s the wisest choice, but it is certainly a lot of fun. After all, pets are very much a part of the family, and we all enjoy spoiling them from time to time.

There are tons of gifts available for pets on this super-sweet holiday, so get a little creative and show your sidekick some V-Day love! Here are some great examples of Valentine’s Day gifts that we found from around the web. Enjoy!

The Heart Pet Bow Tie – This is such a cute gift, and it will really come in handy if you’re expecting company for Valentine’s Day. Dress your dog or cat up for the occasion! Find it HERE on Etsy.

The Pooch Heaven Valentine Dog Gift Basket – This is such a cute gift basket, and it’s overflowing with things that your pup is sure to love. It even includes dog biscuit mix and a bone-shaped cookie cutter so you can put your baking skills to the test. (Of course, you should avoid this option if your pet has any special dietary restrictions.) Read more about the Pooch Heaven Valentine Dog Gift Basket HERE on Pampered Paw Gifts.

Queen of Hearts Pet ID Tag (in oxidized copper) – This is one of the prettiest pet ID tags you’ll find. They are made to order and hand-stamped, which means that yours will be completely unique. We’re also a huge fan of the safety and practicality of this gift. Check it out HERE on Etsy, and be sure to browse through the company’s other designs while you’re there!

Striped Heart Crochet Dog Toy by Dogo – For a pooch, you can never go wrong with a squeak toy! We love the simplicity of this toy, along with its claims of durability and flexibility. Find it HERE on The Uncommon Dog.

Imperial Cat’s Valentine’s Day Cat Kit – This Cat Kit is a sure-fire way to make your kitty’s Valentine’s Day a delight! It includes a variety of entertainment, such as toys, teaser wands, and scratchers. Check it out HERE, courtesy of The Old Maid Cat Lady.

Finally, if you’re in the mood for a do-it-yourself kind of Valentine’s Day, check out this great article for some gifts that you can create for your pet right at home.